Step by step - Chicken Coop Winterization Project. -with pictures!

[Cetawin]

I love it. If they are roosting above the plexiglass line, you could cut some holes in one of those plexiglass panels as well for extra ventilation without creating a draft because of the overhang.

 

[Steadfast]

That's an interesting idea...
The problem is that my plexiglass acts more like glass than plastic.

How would one cut holes in it with out breaking/cracking/shattering it.

 

[JackE]

I STILL say, due to your winterization, you don't have enough ventilation for 9 chickens in that coop. When it gets cold, if you notice frost forming up in there, you better give serious thought to opening the coop back up. At least open up the blocked vents on the southern facing end.
Jack

 

[Steadfast]

Quote:
when it drops below zero, I will look for frost inside.
If i find any, I will do that! Thanks for the heads up!

With the new "fox hole" I no longer smell that slite hint of amonia I was getting in the mornings.

This weekend,
I also happily discovered that my design allows me to slide open the Plexiglass to control the amount of ventilation...
During the day, I am doing this to clear the air inside.

Check out the photo:

 

[SteveBaz]

NICE BRO.. It looks gooood.

 

[wyododge]

Quote:
Try to cut it at room temperature, and use a fine blade on your jig saw. Actually a metal blade works well, try a couple of different tooth counts, some plexi is harder than others. When you are done cutting it, take a butane torch and burnish the edges with it. They will turn clear, just don't set to long or it will burn. As the flame runs over the edge you will see it clear up, try to keep the heat running along the edge, keep moving, just adjust your speed to get the right effect. You can always go back and clear it up a little more, but it is hard to un burn it, although that can be done too. Try a couple of different blades. As long as the plexi is warm, and you don't push it, just let the blade do the work, you will do fine. I have never had any crack.

Yup, there are no athiests in that there vent hole...
because it is a "Fox Hole" after all...

 

[Steadfast]

NOW, Its Getting cold at night around here. 40f and below. So, I had to build winterization walls for the bantam coop.
(The new removable walls still need some wood stain)
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/316322_479951825359034_2022551322_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/525717_479951998692350_558863097_n.jpg

I installed the triangles at the top and plexiglass onto windows of the big chicken's tower.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/319672_291406520880233_1302292797_n.jpg

 

[thebanthams]

steadfast. Nice woodwork!

 

[Izzymoon]

Looks really great!

 

[Pharm Girl]

I buy the plastic carpet runner without the sharp nubs and tack it up sideways around the exposed bottom of my coop. Keeps the rain out the bottom, but allows light and ventilation at the top.